Energy Saving Myths That Cost Britons Millions

By Cynthia Taylor

A study done has shown that Britons are misinformed about how to cut energy usage and bills.

The Energy Saving Trust's survey found that about half of the UK's households believe that it is cheaper to leave their heating on all day, instead of turning it off and on or up or down when it is required.

One third of Britons believe that computer screen-savers save energy and 45% believe that appliances that are switched off but still plugged in the mains, don't use energy.

27% incorrectly said that by turning up the thermostat to a high setting will heat the home faster, and 48% said that it was too much of a hassle to switch energy suppliers.

3/4 of the people polled did know that using energy saving light bulbs were comparable to conventional light bulb fittings. 2/3rds did know that heat can be lost through the roof more than through home walls.

70% of those polled knew and understood that solar panel work during the daylight hours whether the sun shone or not.

The chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust, Phillip Sellwood, said that the survey was commissioned to bust the energy saving myths they come across on a daily basis. Although the public think that they are saving energy when in fact they are not, it was heartening to see that many people are doing thing right to save energy in their homes.

He continued that, while they know its is important for the public to remain warm an cosy in their homes, however, for the majority the most cost effective method to do this is to regulate their heating, on and off or up and down, instead of leaving the heating on the whole day when tat home at a low temperature. By switching off while you are not at home for long periods you can save energy but still have a comfortable temperature when at home,

The Energy Saving Trust said that the UK could save about £4.4 billion on their household bills if they took actions to save energy in the home.

Tips that can save Energy:

Turn it off - Making sure that turning off lights, chargers and appliances when not in use. Almost all electrical appliance can be turned off by removing the plug from the socket without upsetting their systems

Turn it down - many households have the central heating systems set at a higher temperature without them even realising it. Test your room temperature by turning it one degree lower and see if its still comfortable, each degree lower will save on energy and bills

Use the right globes - Led spotlights are sufficiently bright enough to replace those halogen lights, and replacing regular globes for energy saving globes can also save money, energy saving globes are available in a variety of shapes sizes as well as fitting, and they can save money on energy bills.